The walkers told rescuers they were at Helvellyn's summit shelter

A rescue team warned hillwalkers that severe winter conditions are still affecting the Lake District summits, after a group had to be rescued from England’s third-highest mountain.

Patterdale and Keswick Mountain Rescue Teams were alerted about 4.15pm yesterday when the four walkers called for help after getting lost on the summit of Helvellyn.

A Patterdale team spokesperson said: “Keswick MRT initially tried to talk them down when they realised they were at the summit shelter.

“Due to the conditions the party were reluctant to move and personnel from Patterdale MRT ascended Helvellyn to the summit to guide the group down.

“On arrival at the summit the group were found to be extremely cold but otherwise well. The group were then walked down to the team vehicles and taken back to the rescue base in Patterdale and onwards to the train station to catch the last train home.”

The spokesperson added: “The team would like to warn people that although valley temperatures may be mild, severe winter conditions can still be experienced on the tops.”